The last time most people saw the old Tucumcari Motel sign near downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico, the long-closed business was destroyed by a suspected arson fire about three years ago. Because it stood about 20 feet from the building, the fire left the neon sign for the motel unscathed. Locals hauled away the sign a few … Continue reading Tucumcari Motel sign emerges from the ashes
Category: Preservation
Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Ryan Zinke, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, recommended shrinking six national monuments after a review ordered by President Donald Trump. But the Mojave Trails National Monument wasn't one of them, nor did Zinke recommend any other changes to the Southern California site in his memo. The Zinke's report to the president wasn't supposed to … Continue reading Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument
Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
Church Studio in Tulsa, once owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Leon Russell, recently earned a designation to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation became effective Sept. 8, according to an email Friday from the National Park Service. It had been widely expected after its National Register submission to Washington … Continue reading Leon Russell’s Church Studio named to National Register
What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
The century-old Hotel Beale and its rooftop sign in downtown Kingman, Arizona, are one of the most-photographed landmarks in the city, but it has been closed for nearly 20 years and deteriorating because of it apparently neglectful and intractable owner. Kingman Daily Miner columnist Hubble Ray Smith lays out the problems with Hotel Beale, citing … Continue reading What to do about the deteriorating Hotel Beale in Kingman?
U.S. senator who shepherded Route 66 legislation dies
Former longtime U.S. senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, who introduced and shepherded several key pieces of Route 66 legislation, died Wednesday in Albuquerque after setbacks from abdominal surgery. He was 85. Several obituaries about the six-term Republican lauded him for his bipartisanship and his mastery of budget, tax and energy issues until he retired … Continue reading U.S. senator who shepherded Route 66 legislation dies
Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November
Mitchell Caverns, a Mojave Desert site off Route 66 that has been closed since 2011 because of varying infrastructure problems, will reopen Nov. 3 on a limited schedule. An official with California State Parks announced the reopening Friday, reported the Press-Enterprise. It will open at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday and on holidays until the … Continue reading Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November
Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Those who travel to the Round Barn of Arcadia, Oklahoma, on Sunday afternoon are in for a treat -- the historic Route 66 site is hosting a Round Barn Rendezvous music event. All acoustic musicians are invited from noon to 4 p.m. One flyer states: "All banjo players are welcome." A display of antique tractors and … Continue reading Round Barn Rendezvous set for Sunday in Arcadia
Antique military vehicle convoy on Route 66 begins Sept. 16
People along the length of the Mother Road soon will be treated to a unique sight -- a convoy of up to 80 vintage military vehicles making that Chicago-to-Santa Monica trip. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association will begin its 29-day, 2,400-mile journey from the Windy City on Sept. 16 along all the 1926 alignments of Route … Continue reading Antique military vehicle convoy on Route 66 begins Sept. 16
Community meeting set for Sept. 18 over Classen Circle
A community hearing over the fate of the historic Classen Circle in Oklahoma City will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Crown Heights Christian Church in the city. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, city councilman Ed Shadid announced the meeting late last week. The Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy chain had promised such a … Continue reading Community meeting set for Sept. 18 over Classen Circle
An update on the restoration of the Duncan Manor near Towanda
Ten years ago, the historic but long-neglected Duncan Manor along Route 66 near Towanda, Illinois, was placed on a list of Illinois’ Ten Most Endangered Historic Places. Nowadays, the Duncan Manor isn't out of the woods yet, but improvements have been made, and David and Randi Howell seem committed to restoring it since purchasing the … Continue reading An update on the restoration of the Duncan Manor near Towanda